From my point of view this was another epic marathon Spike run at goneMOAB3 just like the previous two that lasted 12+ hours with some nice highs and heartfelt lows. Kind of a bit like an emotional roll coaster at times. Special thanks to Steve from CALMINI for leading the run and everybody else that participated/helped out.

We started pretty early and split into two small groups: one running just Poison Spider and the other continuing on to the Spike and Gold Bar Rim. The Spike group was for the more modified rigs and I think all but one had traction devices on at least one axle.

We made our way through Spider in good time and everyone was doing pretty well. At the wedge the SEMA X went for a wheel stand that looked really cool but he came very close to laying it over even on the prefect line. After that we all gathered before splitting off as it started to lightly drizzle.

We could see a lot of rain coming our way as we started on the slick rock making our way up the launch pad, skyline drive etc. I was following the stock Titan with the factory rear locker + front LSD, the Nissan crew was doing a deceit job of drive sharing/spotting for each other as the maneuvered the full size rig when they suddenly got high centered on a drop off on a medium line just past the launch pad. With a little push from a couple of us they moving again. We twisted our way down through the mesa section and stopped before the climb to regroup. I commented on how great of time I was having, the nice pace we were making, and how well the group was doing.

As we stated off on the ledges the rain came on strong and the visibility decreased quite a bit, the wind was blowing so it was hard to see out the windows at times. I stuck my head out once to see the line and it was like getting sand thrown in your face our something? I decided to keep out of the weather after that even through I managed to slam the rear bumper once or twice. The weather and ledges slowed us down as a couple of the rigs struggled a bit with lines, clearance, and the titan started to get beat/some body damage but we eventually made our way to the crack in the rain which looked like a creek with running water. After seeming what was up with the broke blue heap (needed some welding) on the other side we started crossing the crack.

The CALMINI HB and my Pathy walked the crack without slipping a tire. I think Carlton went next on one of his many attempts and struggled as he lifted wheels and ground the ARB bumper a bit so he backed off. DesertHB, Aero Steve, SteelCityX, and the SEMA X crossed without much fanfare. I was impressed with the line DesertHB took, didn't look like he lifted a wheel while Aero make sure he got good use of the skinny pedal. The mighty Titan spun the passengers side tire a lot when lifted but crossed with a big cheer from the gallery. Jorge gave it a few tires/different lines and finally made over after regrouping as did Carlton who was just about ready to give up, but we keep encouraging them, I was really happy they made it :-) Xterror with the stock drive train + 5 speed was the only one that needed assistance, with his broken suspension components he did well, I know he made it last year but luck wasn't with him this time although he sure gave it hell!

The skies began to clear as we stopped for lunch just past the crack and everyone seemed to be in good sprits and looking forward to the rest & getting back into town at a reasonable hour. Well wouldn't you know it on the very next obstacle, the Gremlins came out…on the Golden Stairs which seemed more difficult this year then the past as just about everyone took various passes to clear the top stair. After spending ~ 3 hrs trying to get the rolled X back in driving condition we decided additional time, parts, tools, etc might be needed so we packed up all the valuables and moved on. I was humbled by this experience and really felt sorry for the owner, I wished I could have done something more to help or prevent the situation. In a relative short distance later all of sudden we had another problem; the SEMA X, had damaged one then both torsion bar anchor arms on some of the ledges, wasn't fixable without spares which we didn't have so we decided to press on and winch the X if needed.

After strapping the Titan up one last ledge we made it to the Body Snatcher where Steve found a twisty side hill up line to the left that lifted a rear tire but would allow the Titan to get up with touching the body so they both took that line and eventually made clean runs. Looked like fun so I went for that line, but all of sudden I lost the brake pedal when turning so I quickly put it in reverse and slid down undamaged. Pedal returned a bit so I went for the conventional line up and took a look on flatter ground on top. On closer inspection with brake fluid slowing leaking around the caliper, the fitting had busted at the Banjo so a new line was needed. With a spare SS one that Steve had we quickly swapped the line, zip tied it up and where on our way in no time

The sun was setting as we made our way down Gold Bar Rim, darkness creped in quickly as we came upon the last big obstacle, the waterfall which looked a bit more dug out then previous years. Everybody made it up with some spotting/positioning as we continued along for ~ 1 hour or so in the darkness before the shelf access road that leads to the highway. One of these days I would like to run all of Gold Bar in the daylight and see what I've been missing for the past 3 years. Anyway ~9pm we reached the highway, I couldn't wait to pick up my daughter, get something to eat, and hit the hot tub, man I sleep good that night.

Overall this was a great bunch of people to wheel & spend the day with :-) everybody pitched in when the going got tough and keep positive attitudes. I was exhausted in the end but proud to be part of a run I don't think I will ever forgot. I learned some lessons that's for sure and was thankful everyone made it back safely

BTW IMO the CC Titan did pretty well all things considered but I would think the maybe a king cab would do even better driven by people with more wheelin experience. For a stock truck I can't think of a better full size rig. I was impressed with its capabilities off road and comfortable interior although it did get hung on the frame a number of times, needed a strap/push, took a bit of a beating; banged the rear hitch bumper a bit and suffered some minor body damage but with a lift, larger tires, rock bars, different lines it mostly likely could make a clean run on this 4+ trail.

Enjoy these few pixs from my disposable (daughter pushed in the zoom lenses on my DC so it was broken on day #4) for now until I can make an album when I have the time of the rest. For some small low rez pixs of the CALMINI HB crossing the crack click here or my PATHY here until I get the full-size ones from action shots in the mail.

Brian

great pics, good write-up

Nice Pathy Brian...still have the X as well?

We had a X bend/crack a torsion bar anchor last year at ECXC as well. It was banged back into shape/welded when we got back to the campsite and then reinstalled. For the time being what we did was jack the truck up and wedge a piece of hardwood between the lower a-arm and the frame to set the ride height correct then used a ratchet strap to hold the suspension in place. This was a rough ride for the X owner but he finished the days wheeling without a problem.

FSR, we had one break on Monday, and it dawned on me that one of Energy Suspensions large bumpstops could be carried and bolted into place making for a bit smoother ride than a piece of wood (which there wasn't much of on SteelBender). They offer one that has multiple steps that can be cut to height.

Enjoyed the write up. Sorry we(Liberties) couldn't work out a run with you guys. It was in the works, but new people were coming in who wanted to do new trails you guys had already done. We had to drop some people off at the air port as well. We were going to tackle Golden Spike on the same day as you guys did, but because of the rain, some felt uncomfortable.
We ended up doing Poison Spider,Flat Iron,Hell's Revenge,Fins & Things, and Kane Creek for the week. I've got some great pics and video. We had a great time and nobody got any significant damage other than some pin stripes and a few damaged egos. Are group was pretty modified though. I think all were lifted and 80% locked in some fashion. Amybe can get a organized run together next year.
Tom

I think you are referring to the below pics...

How does a person roll on this? I would like to find out more info on how, and the aftermath. I have driven this trail numerous time and have never experienced that kind of carnage and I would like to know for reference when leading others through so we can learn from and prevent this type of carnage from occuring.




Hmmm... musta been a hard hit, the roof caved in.


Pretty unfortunate carnage, I hope everyone inside was okay.

Nobody got hurt, thankfully. The driver did a write-up about what happened (in General forum) and there is a video in the Video forum, if you're interested.

I saw the vids, but I cannot find Jorge's post, any links to it?

Sorry, I told you the wrong forum. It's not in General, it's in the Club House.

Golden Stairs is a series of 3 ledges each spaced about 100 inches apart. That makes it difficult for SUV length vehicles to get up it without the proper line or traction devices.

An IFS vehicle can get in trouble of the approach is not dead on. In this case, the front end walked to the left and the driver side front tire dropped off the ledge. Without solid axle articulation, that tips the Xterra over rather quickly.

The following day while repairing the vehicle I watched at least a dozen longer wheelbase vehicles having similar problems and one did get close to a similar roll.

The trick to the obstacle is to drive it straight up staying as far right as possible from the 1st to 3 ledges. There is a flat spot that the passenger front tire can get on to avoid the double climb the front and rear axle have to do at the same time.

No, the passenger side A-pillar folded due to landing on the step. The majority of the body was in good shape.

Those pics SERIOUSLY make me cringe. OUCH. I am impressed/amazed that he got out OK, though. Scary shit, man.

Ian,

I appreciate the feedback, but I do know the trail, I have staffed it several times during our Moab 'Zu Zoo and Crawloween runs.

After watching the video I understand, and you are absolutely correct, if you aren't lined up square you will not have satisfactory results. I mainly came over to see if there was any knowledge to be gained through the mishap so I can pass that information on to the trail staff crew for our event next month.

I have watched many a vehicle run up those steps. Several different wheelbase from VX(90"), Migo(98"), Rodeo(114"?), and Trooper(120"?).. and they all get up resonably well, although the Rodeo has the most issue, definitely a wheelbase thing. And that is the common thread between the X and Rodeo, similar wheelbase. Not saying Isuzu is the only rig I have watched/spotted over the obstacle, but the most prevalent.

So, I hope to see you out on the trails this summer, we always welcome anyone that wans to hve a good time and wheel responsibly, as I know you fit within that mold. I know we have met and have had conversations, not certain if you remember me (Black amigo w/ARB).

Loco, check your PM's.